Support

ABSTRACT

A support for a fencing pole, the support comprising a body having at least a first aperture, a second aperture and a third aperture, wherein the second aperture and third aperture are positioned on a first arc with centre at the first aperture. In this way one or more pairs of fence poles can be supported in a plurality of configurations.

The invention relates to a support. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a support for temporary fencing.

It is common to provide supports or feet for fencing poles or posts. The supports provide a stable housing for the poles, allowing a worker to readily position the fencing in the desired location. The fencing poles may be made from wood, for example for use in garden fencing, or may be made from metal, for example for use in modular temporary fencing on construction sites.

In the construction industry, temporary fencing must be positioned so as not to be easily moved out of location on a construction site. In order to address this need, supports for such fencing are often manufactured from heavy-weight materials such as concrete.

Known supports comprise a brick having a number of individual holes for receiving the fencing poles. However, it is inherently difficult to assemble the poles in the holes because adjacent holes can vary slightly in their diameter due to tooling tolerances. Often, the user finds that they are unable to locate a pole because a particular hole is not large enough and so the hole is made redundant and cannot be used. Alternatively or additionally, a hole may have a varying diameter along its length. Such variation in the holes is found to be a particular problem when the supports are concrete supports. Due to concrete being a brittle material, the fencing poles can easily become jammed in the hole. In these circumstances, the worker often has to break the support to release the pole.

A further disadvantage of known supports is that they are cumbersome to move because they cannot easily be handled by the construction worker. Further, such supports are difficult to transport and store because they cannot be readily stacked.

Furthermore, the individual holes in the brick are aligned in pairs, as shown in FIG. 1. Typically there are three pairs of holes equally spaced along a longitudinal axis of the brick. Poles of neighbouring fence panels are rotatably fixed together by means of a bracket and inserted into each of the holes in a pair. However, since the pairs of holes are spaced substantially apart from each other, the user requires a high level of accuracy when positioning the brick to match the location of the fence poles. This may be inconvenient.

Furthermore, often more than one pair of fence poles is connected to the brick, for instance, when forming a compound. However, in the brick of FIG. 1 the holes are restricted in position such that the fences can only project away from the brick at a limited range of angles. Furthermore, there are large gaps between the pairs of holes which personnel may fit through to compromise the security of the compound.

It is an object of the invention to provide a support which addresses the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a fencing pole, the support comprising a body having an axis, the body comprising at least one port adapted for receiving at least one fencing pole, wherein the port comprises a substantially hourglass shape.

Preferably, the port comprises a substantially hourglass shape in plan view. Preferably, the port comprises a substantially hourglass shape in sectional view. Preferably, the hourglass shape is symmetrical about the axis.

Preferably, the port comprises a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is interconnected to the second hole, preferably so as to form the hourglass shape.

Advantageously, provision of the port having an hourglass shape, allows a pole or post to be readily located in the support. Due to the shaped configuration, the pole is received in the port and is allowed a degree of movement when being positioned in the port.

Preferably, the at least one port comprises a first centre point. Preferably, the at least one port comprises a second centre point. Preferably, the first centre point and/or the second centre point is located parallel to the axis. Preferably, the axis is a longitudinal axis, preferably the first centre point and/or the second centre point of the or each port is located parallel to the longitudinal axis. Said first centre point and/or said second centre point may be located coaxial to said axis. Said first centre point and/or said second centre point may be located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the distance between the first centre point and the second centre point is substantially between 50 mm and 150 mm. Most preferably, the distance is substantially between 80 to 100 mm, most preferably substantially 94 mm.

Preferably, at least one aperture is located on the body. Preferably, the at least one aperture is adjacent the at least one port. Preferably, said aperture is substantially circular in cross section. Preferably, said aperture comprises a primary centre point. Preferably, said primary centre point is located parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support. Preferably, the primary centre point of said aperture is located parallel to the first centre point and/or the second centre point of the port. Preferably, the distance between the primary and the first and/or second centre points is substantially between 50 mm and 150 mm. Most preferably, the distance is substantially between 80 to 100 mm, most preferably substantially 94 mm.

Preferably, the body comprises a face. Preferably, the body comprises a first side wall, and/or a second side wall, and/or a third side wall, and/or a fourth side wall. Preferably, the body comprises a base. Preferably, at least one aperture is located adjacent the first side wall and/or the second side wall and/or the third side wall and/or the fourth side wall.

Preferably, the face is substantially rectangular in plan view. Preferably, the port and most preferably, the at least on aperture is located on said face.

Preferably, a channel is provided on the base. Preferably, the channel is located parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body, preferably coaxial therewith. Preferably, at least one cut-out is provided on the base. Preferably, at least one primary cut-out is located on the channel. Preferably a pair of primary cut-outs are provided on the channel, preferably being spaced at opposite ends of said channel. Preferably, at least one secondary cut-out is located on the body. Preferably, a pair of secondary cut-outs is located on the body, preferably being located on opposite side walls of the body.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a fencing pole, the support comprising a body having a first end and a second end and side walls therebetween, the body comprising at least one port adapted for receiving at least one fencing pole, wherein at least one cut-out is located on the second end, the cut-out adapted to receive a portion of an alternative support.

Advantageously, provision of the cut-out allows a plurality of supports to be readily stacked.

Preferably, the second end comprises the base of the body. Preferably, the port comprises a substantially hourglass shape. Preferably, a channel is provided on the body. Preferably, said cut-out is located on the channel. Preferably, a further cut-out is provided on the body, preferably located on at least one side wall.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a corner support for a fencing pole, the corner support comprising a body having at least one opening adapted for receiving a pole, the body comprising a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall is substantially at 90 degrees to the second wall.

Preferably, the corner support comprises at least one cut-out. Preferably, the opening comprises at least one port adapted for receiving at least one fencing pole. Preferably, the opening comprises at least one aperture.

Provision of a corner support, having an aperture(s) and/or ports(s) provides the worker with a support having multi positional capability, to allow the worker to readily position the fencing in a number of alternative directions.

Preferably, the support or corner support comprises receiving members for receiving ballast poles.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a ballast support for a fencing pole, the ballast support comprising a body having an axis and having a first end and a second end a side wall therebetween, the body comprising at least one opening adapted for receiving at least one ballast pole, wherein at least one receiving member is located on the side wall, being adapted for receiving said pole.

Preferably, two receiving members are provided on a first side wall and preferably on a second side wall. Preferably, said receiving members are located adjacent the channel, preferably adjacent the primary cut-out.

The ballast support can readily be connected to a support or corner support via the receiving members, to provide additional stability to the assembly.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts comprising at least one support, at least one corner support, and at least one ballast support as hereinbefore described.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a fencing pole, the support comprising:

a body having at least a first aperture, a second aperture and a third aperture, wherein the second aperture and third aperture are positioned on a first arc with centre at the first aperture.

Advantageously, a user can optionally locate two fence poles of neighbouring fence sections, which are rotatably connected to each other, in a either the first aperture and second aperture, or the first aperture and third aperture. In this way a plurality of arrangements of fence poles are possible, such that during assembly, precise alignment of the fence poles and support are not required.

Preferably, the first aperture, second aperture, and third aperture are each located at respective first, second and third vertexes of a square.

Preferably, the body includes a fourth aperture, which is located on the first arc. More preferably, the fourth aperture is located within the square.

Advantageously, a user can preferably locate two rotatably connected fence poles with one pole in the first aperture and the other pole in one of the second, third, or fourth aperture. In this way, a range of configurations are possible.

Preferably, the body includes a fifth aperture, which is located at a fourth vertex of the square.

Advantageously, a user can preferably, locate two rotatably connected fence poles with one pole in the fifth aperture, and the other pole in the second or third aperture. Advantageously, the first, second, third, and fifth apertures preferably define a square, in which two pairs of fence poles can be inserted with a minimal gap therebetween.

Preferably, the body includes a sixth aperture, which is located on a second arc with centre at the fifth aperture.

Advantageously, a user can preferably locate two rotatably connected fence poles with one pole in the fifth aperture, and the other pole in the second or third or sixth aperture. In this way a wide range of configurations are possible.

Preferably, the fourth aperture is located on a first diagonal of the square. More preferably, the diagonal interconnects the first and fifth aperture.

Preferably, the sixth aperture is located on a second diagonal of the square. More preferably, the second diagonal interconnects the first and fifth aperture.

Preferably, two or more of the apertures are interconnected such that they define a substantially hourglass shape.

Preferably, the first and sixth apertures are interconnected such that they define a substantially hourglass shape.

Preferably, the fourth and fifth apertures are interconnected such that they define a substantially hourglass shape.

Advantageously, a user preferably has two optional configurations across the diagonal of the body.

Preferably, a length between the first and second aperture is equal to a length between the first and third aperture. More preferably, the length is 94 mm.

Preferably, a length between the first and fourth aperture is equal to the length between the first and second aperture. More preferably, the length is 94 mm.

Preferably, a length between the fifth and second aperture is equal to a length between the fifth and third aperture. More preferably, the length is 94 mm.

Preferably, a length between the fifth and sixth aperture is equal to the length between the fifth and second aperture. More preferably, the length is 94 mm.

Preferable, the body is substantially ‘L’ shaped. Advantageously, the body preferably provides a corner support.

According, to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a support for a fencing pole, the support comprising lighting means. Preferably, the lighting means comprises a reflector or a solar light, or other electrically powered light

Advantageously, the lighting means alerts a user to the presence of the support. In this way is can be conveniently located during construction, and in use personally are less likely to trip over it.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art fence pole support;

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e show a schematic plan view, rear view, a first side view, and a second side view and a perspective view of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show schematic rear views of alternative embodiments of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c and 4 d show a schematic plan view, rear view, a first side view, and a second side view of an alternative embodiment of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d and 5 e show a schematic plan view, rear view, a first side view, and a second side view of a perspective view respectively of an alternative embodiment of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 6 c show a schematic plan view, and schematic side views of a first side and a second side respectively of an alternative embodiment of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and 7 d show a schematic plan view, a first side view, a second side view and rear view respectively of an alternative embodiment of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d show a schematic plan view, a first side view, a second side view, and a rear view respectively of an alternative embodiment of a support according to the invention;

FIGS. 9 a to 9 f show a schematic plan view, a rear view, and side views respectively of an embodiment of a corner support according to the invention;

FIGS. 9 g and 9 h show a plan view and a rear view respectively of an alternative embodiment of a corner support according to the invention;

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 10 c show schematic views of example arrangements of a plurality of supports according to the invention, in use; and

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show schematic views of further example arrangements of a plurality of supports according to the invention, in use.

FIG. 2 shows a support 2 according to the invention. The support 2 comprises a body 4 having a first side wall 6, a second side wall 8, a third side wall 10, a fourth side wall 12, and a base 14. The body further comprises a face 16 on which are located a plurality of openings 18 as will be described in further detail below.

The openings 18 are shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. The openings 18 comprise apertures 20 and ports 22. As shown in the figures, the apertures 20 comprise singular holes labelled “A” and “C”. Said apertures 20 are circular in cross section and extend through the body 4 from the face 16 to the base 14. The ports 22 are hourglass in shape and extend through the body 4 from the face 16 to the base 14. The ports 22 are labelled B-F, and D-E in the figures. Each of the apertures 20 and ports 22 have a centre point 24. The position of the apertures 20 with respect to the ports 22 is shown in the figures, with dimensions between the centre points 24 referenced. In particular, the distance between centre points 24 is substantially 94 mm.

As shown in the figures, the centre points of apertures C, E and A are located on a first arc which has a centre at the centre point of aperture B. In the same way the centre points of apertures C, F and A are located on a second arc which has a centre at the centre point of aperture D. Apertures A, B, C, D are located at the vertexes of a square. The centre points of apertures E and F are located on a diagonal from the centre point of B to D.

Accordingly, the distance from the centre points of apertures A-B, A-D, B-C, D-C, D-F, E-B is substantially equal. Therefore, in use two poles of neighbouring fence sections, which are rotatably connected by means of a bracket, can be placed in a wide range of configurations to suit the requirements of a user. Due to the wide range of configurations it is not necessary to substantially re-orientate to body when inserting the poles, which improves convenience of use. Furthermore, in use, two sets of fence poles can be attached to the body without a large gap in between. This is particularly advantageous when erecting a secure compound. For instance, one pair could be placed in aperture A, B, and the other pair in D-F, or D, C dependent on the angle the user wishes the resulting fence sections to be arranged at.

The underside of the base 14 is shown in FIG. 2 b. A channel 26 extends the length of the body 4, from the first side wall 6 to the third side wall 10. Primary cut-outs 28 are located at ends 30 of said walls 6,10 said cut-outs 28 being substantially opposite each other on the channel 26. Secondary cut-outs 32 are located at ends 34 of the second side wall 8 and the fourth side wall 12. Said secondary cut-outs 32 are substantially opposite each other as shown in the figure. The cut-outs 28,32 are shaped as shown in FIGS. 2 c and 2 d, and allow a worker to readily grab and manoeuvre the support 2. Further, said cut-outs 28,32 enable a plurality of supports 2 to be easily stacked together because the channel 26 is shaped to receive a proportion of the body 4 of a further support as shown in FIG. 2 e.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show alternative configurations of the base 112 a, 112 b of a support 102. The base 112 a comprises an additional shaping 140 which enhances the ability of the support 102 to stack in a stable arrangement. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 b, the base 112 b does not have primary cuts-outs but instead the channel 126 extends the length of the base 112 b to provide a handle region.

FIG. 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of a support 202. The openings 218 comprise four apertures 220 being referenced “G” “H” “I” and “N” in the figures. The apertures G and H are located towards the first side wall 206 being equi-distantly spaced therefrom. The apertures I and N are parallel and offset from a longitudinal axis 244. As shown in FIG. 4 b, apertures G and H are located in a primary cut-out 228. Two pairs of ports 222 are provided on the face 216. The ports 222 are referenced J-K, and L-M in the figures. The centre points of apertures G-H, I-K, M-N, G-I, H-K, I-M, K-N, M-J, K-L are all equally spaced.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a support 302 is provided having receiving members 350. The receiving members 350 comprise a pair of holes labelled as “X” and “Y” as shown in FIG. 5 c, adapted to receive posts 352 in a ballast support 354 as shown in FIG. 5 e. The addition of a ballast support 354 provides additional support to the structure.

FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show a further alternative embodiment of a support 402. The support 402 comprises a chamfered first side wall 406, which is preferably vertical. In use, the said first wall 406 lays substantially co-linear with the fencing. Advantageously, the support 402 minimises the trip hazard risk. It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that such an arrangement could be included in any one of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a support 502. The support 502 comprises a socket 560. The socket 560 is substantially rectangular cross-section and extends from the face 516 to the base 512. As shown in the FIG. 7 d, the socket 560 lies adjacent the cut-out 528. The socket 560 is dimensioned to receive a post, for example a 3 inch post.

FIG. 8 shows a further alternative arrangement of the invention. The support 602 may be used as an additional ballast or alternatively or additionally may be used to overlay one of the aforementioned supports. The support 602 comprises a socket 660 and a pair of receiving members 650 for receiving ballast poles. The support 602 may also be used in barrier fencing, for instance, as a ground barrier.

FIG. 9 shows a alternative support 702. The support 702 is adapted to be a corner support or foot. The support 702 is substantially “L” shaped and comprises a face 716 on which is located a number of openings 718. The openings 718 are shown as apertures 720 but it will be appreciated that the apertures 720 may be ports 722, or a combination of apertures and ports may be provided on the face 716. FIG. 9 b shows the underside of the support 702. It can be seen that 3 cut-outs 728, 732 are located on the perimeter of the base 712. The cut-outs are shown in side profile in FIGS. 9 d-9 f. An alternative arrangement of the corner support is shown in FIGS. 9 g and 9 h.

FIG. 10 shows a support and a corner support 702 in use. It can be seen that posts 70 are received in the openings 718 to allow for easy construction of modular fencing 760. In particular, it is shown that a minimum number of supports are required due to the configuration of the corner support. FIG. 10 c shows an example arrangement of the support 2 in which the posts 70 are received in the ports 22. Due to the advantageous hourglass shape of the ports 22, the worker is able to locate the post simply and effectively. The hourglass shape provides a degree of leverage as the post is inserted unlike known assemblies in which only a singular circular cross-section hole is provided.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show in further detail the supports in use. In FIG. 11 a it is shown that a plurality of posts can be located in one support. Advantageously, this provides the worker with a multitude of alternative configurations for the fencing assembly. As shown in FIG. 11 b the fencing can be assembled in a number of alternative directions due to the configuration of a single support. In this configuration, the posts or poles can be readily connected together. Specifically, provision of the openings, enables a number of poles, for assembly of fencing in multi-directions, to lay adjacent each other. As such a worker can readily fix a plurality of poles together using suitable clips. In so doing, the structure comprising the plurality of poles is more stable than known support assemblies where poles are a distance apart and therefore cannot readily be secured together.

The invention provides a support for fencing, particularly, for construction fencing, the support allows a worker to readily and more accurately locate the posts or poles of the fencing in the support. Due to the hourglass configuration of the ports, there is minimal risks of a pole or post becoming jammed in the support. Furthermore, provision of a chamfered edge on a support minimises the risk of a trip hazard. The support may be a corner support which allows for directional mounting of the fencing, and thus minimises the number of supports required in an assembly.

Advantageously provision of at least one under-cut allows the support to be easily handled by a worker. In particular, provision of a primary and secondary under-cut allows a worker to proportion the weight of the support against their body which allows for easy manipulation and manoeuvre of the support and meets various safety standards.

The support may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example, polymeric materials, concrete, or wood, but preferably from polyethylene and PVC mix which is recyclable.

A combination of nay one of the supports, support ballasts or corner foot supports may be provided as a kit. In so doing, the worker can readily choose and assemble the fencing according to the requirements.

It is also envisaged, that liner may be inserted into any one of the openings to minimise the risk of friction between the pole and opening.

It is also envisaged that the support comprises a lighting means, which may comprise a reflector, solar light, or other electrically powered light. Advantageously, the lighting means alerts a user to the presence of the support. In this way is can be conveniently located during construction, and in use personally are less likely to trip over it.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 

1. A support for a fencing pole, the support comprising: a body having at least a first aperture, a second aperture and a third aperture, wherein the second aperture and third aperture are positioned on a first arc with a center at the first aperture.
 2. The support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first aperture, second aperture, and third aperture are each located at respective first, second and third vertexes of a square.
 3. The support as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the body includes a fourth aperture, which is located on the first arc.
 4. The support as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fourth aperture is located within the square.
 5. The support as claimed in claim 4, wherein the body includes a fifth aperture, which is located at a fourth vertex of the square.
 6. The support as claimed in claim 5, wherein the body includes a sixth aperture, which is located on a second arc with centre at the fifth aperture.
 7. The support as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fourth aperture is located on a first diagonal of the square.
 8. The support as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first diagonal interconnects the first and fifth aperture.
 9. The support as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sixth aperture is located on a second diagonal of the square.
 10. The support as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second diagonal interconnects the first and fifth aperture.
 11. The support as claimed in claim 10, wherein two or more of the apertures are interconnected such that they define a substantially hourglass shape.
 12. The support as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and sixth apertures are interconnected such that they define a substantially hourglass shape.
 13. The support as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fourth and fifth apertures are interconnected such that they define a substantially hourglass shape.
 14. The support as claimed in claim 13, wherein a length between the first and second aperture is equal to a length between the first and third aperture.
 15. The support as claimed in claim 14, wherein a length between the first and fourth aperture is equal to the length between the first and second aperture.
 16. The support as claimed in claim 15, wherein a length between the fifth and second aperture is equal to a length between the fifth and third aperture.
 17. The support as claimed in claim 16, wherein a length between the fifth and sixth aperture is equal to the length between the fifth and second aperture.
 18. The support as claimed in claim 17, wherein the length is 94 millimeters (mm).
 19. The support as claimed in claim 18, wherein the support comprises lighting means.
 20. The support as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lighting means is a reflector or a solar light, or other electrically powered light.
 21. The support as claimed in claim 20, wherein the body is substantially square or substantially ‘L’ shaped. 22-39. (canceled) 